Caseworker Senior BHDS

County of Lancaster; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Family medical leave

Job summary

Lancaster County is seeking a senior caseworker within Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (BHDS) to support incarcerated adults with Serious Mental Illness as they transition back to the community. The role emphasizes intake assessments, coordinating services, and maintaining case documentation to ensure appropriate BH services upon re-entry.

The position requires collaboration with county courts, probation, and re-entry organizations, with substantial time spent onsite at the prison

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a Caseworker for Lancaster County; or
• A bachelor's degree in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or related social sciences and three years of professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or related social sciences.

Responsibilities

• Develops collaborative relationships with prison and staff to ensure inmates with Behavioral Health needs access BH services on release.
• Schedules and conducts intake interviews, needs assessments and analyzes needs to direct consumers to appropriate services.
• Maintains accurate consumer records and case files; writes reports and social histories.
• Coordinates service plans with consumers and providers; monitors progress and reports to providers.

Education

Bachelor's degree in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or related social sciences

Job description

Compensation Range: $49,588.50 - $74,373.00 Our full-time positions come with an array of excellent benefits including comprehensive healthcare coverage, a pension plan, flexible spending accounts and even a tuition reimbursement program. At Lancaster County, we understand the importance of work-life balance. That's why we offer paid time off for sick, vacation and holidays, an employee assistance program, and family medical leave.

JOB SUMMARY

This is a full-time case management position within the Behavioral Health component of Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (BHDS). This position is within the Intake component of the Unit. This employee will work primarily with incarcerated adults who have a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and assist those same individuals transitioning back into the community. While primarily focused on the re‑entry needs of those individuals incarcerated at Lancaster County Prison, it is anticipated that intervention will also occur with Lancaster County residents discharging from the State Correctional Institution system. This employee will exercise considerable independent judgment and decision making in determining individual needs and facilitating their successful transition to community living. This Caseworker Senior position receives less supervision and will work more independently than a Caseworker. This employee will conduct also intake assessments, determine eligibility for Behavioral Health services and work collaboratively with Lancaster County Prison, Lancaster County Adult Probation & Parole, Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, Lancaster County Specialty Courts, the Lancaster County Drug & Alcohol Commission and the Re‑entry Management Organization and its affiliates. This position will be regarded as the primary County resource for individuals with co‑occurring Behavioral Health and Forensic issues. This position is expected to maintain a consistent, highly visible in‑person presence within the prison (on average 75% of time) to sustain collaborative working relationships with correctional, medical, clinical, and re‑entry staff and engaging with incarcerated individuals identified as having mental health concerns/needs.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports directly to their assigned supervisor. Work is reviewed by the assigned supervisor through regularly scheduled supervisions. Work is also reviewed through observations both within the office and in the field, as well as reviewing of records, provider or consumer contacts and others as identified by the supervisor as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Develops collaborative relationship with the local prison and meets regularly with identified prison staff to ensure that inmates with Behavioral Health needs are being identified and have access to BH services upon release. Develop collaborative relationship with the local hospital identified as providing inpatient support to incarcerated individuals needing inpatient treatment and serve as liaison back into the prison or community. Schedules and conducts intake interviews, needs’ assessments and needs analysis to gather information concerning the consumer and presents information for clinical and utilization review. Completes referral forms and authorizations for services plus any other supportive paperwork as needed in directing consumer to the appropriate level of service. Develops and sustains supportive, helping relationships of the consumer, family members, and provider agencies. Monitors consumer progress within the service and keeps providers informed. Maintains a thorough knowledge of entire spectrum of community resources and services; adept at navigating various support systems; participates in relevent trainings and engages in multi‑systemic forums i.e., CJAB. Establishes and maintains constructive and collaborative relationships with Lancaster County Adult Probation & Parole, the Lancaster County Courts & the Re‑entry Mananagement Organization (RMO) systems. Advocates on behalf of the consumer. Completes numerous paperwork demands accurately and in a timely manner. Coordinates goal‑oriented service plans in cooperation with the consumers. Develops and maintains accurate consumer records and case files; writes reports plus prepares complete summaries and social histories. Determine whether to schedule financial liability assessments or to complete financial waivers depending on the service needs of the consumer. Participates in staff meetings and training sessions. Coordinates and attends interagency treatment planning meeting. Routinely provides own transportation to and from consumer’s home, meetings, outreach visits, and other job‑related appointments in a timely manner and be able to access those locations with reasonable accommodations. Functions as the County's primary resource for individuals with co‑occurring behavioral health/forensic issues. Provides clinical consultation for BHDS staff and related provider network through thorough understanding of available resources and expertise in matching with assessed needs. Serves as Agency liaison with County Judiciary, including Specialty Courts. Exercises supervisory level decision making in the absence of supervisor as necessary.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

All other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Two years of experience as a Caseworker for Lancaster County; or A bachelor's degree in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences and three years of professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency; or Any equivalent combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures governing the administration of County Child Welfare or BHDS programs. Knowledge of current social case management principles, techniques and methods. Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems and available resources. Knowledge of human development and individual and group behavior and ways of working effectively with adults who have social, economic, emotional, or health problems. Knowledge of the principles and methods applied in collecting, reviewing, analyzing and interpreting case management summaries, statistical data, and reports. Knowledge of the organization and structure of the court, judicial, and legal systems as they relate to community BHDS programs. Knowledge of the principles and practices of public education and consultation, and the development of resources and educational programs and materials. Knowledge of basic principles and practices of supervision and administration. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and their families, police, representatives from other community agencies and agency staff. Ability to facilitate and negotiate between the judicial, legal, Child Welfare and BHDS systems. Ability to analyze and evaluate program plans, operations, goals and objectives and make recommendations toward policy determinations. Ability to function independently and decisively. Ability to develop resources and educational materials and to speak before a variety of groups and organizations. Ability to maintain confidentiality in high pressure situations. Ability to plan and organize work, prepare adequate records and reports, and set priorities. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others. Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, regulations, and policies governing agency services. Ability to express ideas orally and in writing.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

Acceptable PA State Police Criminal Record Clearance Acceptable FBI fingerprint Clearance Acceptable Drug Screening PA Driver’s License and acceptable driving history PA Childline child abuse history and clearance

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Case Management must be able to work in a busy and open environment. Case Management must be able to routinely provide his/her own transportation to and from consumer's homes, meetings, outreach visits and other job‑related appointments in a timely manner and be able to access those locations with reasonable accommodations. This position has been identified as having the potential for exposure to Hepatitis B. Access to training and a voluntary vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided. The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here.

About Us

Working for Lancaster County offers not just a job, but a chance to thrive both professionally and personally. The benefits package for full‑time employees, including paid time off, health insurance and flexible healthcare plans, ensures that you feel valued and supported in your role. With employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and more, you'll have the resources you need to provide excellent service to the 550,000 residents of Lancaster County. With 1,600 full‑time employees and 300 part‑time employees spread across 40 departments, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and development within the county. Whether you're interested in human services, public safety, administration, or any other field, there's a place for you to make a difference and advance your career. Lancaster County itself is a vibrant and diverse community, offering something for everyone. From the peaceful farmland to the bustling city and towns, there's always something new to discover. Whether it's exploring farmers markets, enjoying local cuisine, or immersing yourself in the rich history of the area, Lancaster County has endless opportunities for you and your family to learn, explore, and enjoy. Joining the team at Lancaster County means becoming part of a community dedicated to maintaining and improving this wonderful place we call home.